Title: Polly - an Inmate at the Carleton County GaolPlace: Ottawa, Ont.. Date: Feb. 1895.
PHOTOGRAPHER: Topley, William James, 1845-1930
National Archives of Canada, negative no. PA-027436

It is only in the last twenty years that the majority of archivists and historians have turned their attention to scholarly investigation of the lives of the powerless, the poor and those on the fringe of society. Women, whose lives have historically been confined to the private sphere, and who have been barred from acquiring education, employment and political power, make up a large proportion of this group. Consequently, they have left few traditional records. However, letters and diaries are often found in the collections of papers of male relatives, and non-traditional records. However, letters and diaries are often found in the collections of papers of male relatives, and non-traditional sources, such as photographs, can yield a rich harvest for the diligent researcher. "The Widening Sphere" shows a selection of documents from various divisions of the Public Archives, including the Federal Archives Division, where records of women's activities are particularly scant.

From 1870 to 1940 was an exciting period in the history of Canadian women, who gradually moved from their traditional sphere, the home, to take their place as citizens of the developing urban-industrial society. This change was attended by much discussion in the press and by outright opposition from many prominent men, for housewives were traditionally perceived as the essential linchpin of the family, the basic unit of a stable society. Thus, women's attempts to fit themselves for modern life by acquiring education and the skills necessary for success in the labour market, were seen as a threat to the institution of marriage, and ultimately, to social stability. "The Widening Sphere" documents the struggles of women to attain university education and to enter into clerical and professional jobs. It also portrays their work in jobs traditionally considered suitable for women, such as domestic service and elementary school teaching. To justify this move from the home into the world, the ideology of "maternal feminism," as it is termed by contemporary historians, was developed by women active in efforts for the advancement of their sex. These women strove to ameliorate or transform the ruthless, competitive, masculine world of politics and business with kindliness, decency and honour, which they considered innate female virtues.

Our fore mothers displayed lots of courage and persistence in their fight for a better world for women.